KATHMANDU: Local residents in the Bagdwar area, historically significant as the source of civilization for the Kathmandu Valley, have voiced strong objections to the removal of long-standing priests who have been conducting worship rituals there for decades. Parshuram Pokharel, chairman of the BP Museum Committee and a resident of the area, highlighted the community's protest against the eviction of Satyananda Shivacharya from Bagdwar, situated in the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, Gokarneshwar Municipality-1.
The controversy arose when local residents visited Bagdwar to verify reports that the park administration was attempting to displace Shivacharya, who has been performing regular religious rituals at the site. Upon arrival, they discovered that the process to remove Shivacharya, known for his daily worship routines over nearly two decades, was already underway.
Hemanta Keshar Pandit, another resident deeply involved in local affairs, expressed dismay over the situation, emphasizing the park administration's actions. He noted a contrast, mentioning the trust extended to a figure known as Todke Baba, who allegedly operated a hotel disguised as an ashram within the park premises.
In response, Shiva Lal Gaire, the park's information officer, defended the park's policy, stating that it prohibits permanent structures and residents within the core area. He clarified that an agreement to relocate Shivacharya had been reached earlier in June, citing the park's regulatory measures.
Dr. Ganesh Pant, the Chief Conservation Officer of the park, corroborated the situation involving Todke Baba, confirming reports of a hotel operating under the guise of an ashram. He affirmed that the decision to dismantle Todke Baba's structure followed concerns about unauthorized overnight stays within the park, aligning with their conservation and management protocols.
